With near or below-freezing temperatures in the forecast for this weekend, area gardeners will need to take some precautions to preserve their plants and flowers. Master Gardner Nancy Spoelstra, of Pella, says all annuals should be taken inside, cut back, or slipped – which means cutting off a piece and starting a new plant. She adds that gardeners can also cut back some spring-blooming plants.

Nila (NEYE-lah) Landsperger, Knoxville Hy-Vee Garden Center Manager says residents should also dig up bulbs which won’t make the winter; while planting tulips, daffodils, and other winter-ready bulbs before the frost sets in. Also, those with pumpkins as part of their fall decorations should bring them inside or cover them up on nights when the temperature will dip below freezing.